The Foundation of All Holiness
The key to living a holy life lies in our union with Jesus Christ. This union is the source of all spiritual blessings, including justification, sanctification, and glorification. Without being united to Christ, we can do nothing to please God. Jesus said:
“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
Understanding this union is essential for anyone who desires to grow in holiness.
What Is Union with Christ?
Our union with Christ is a spiritual relationship in which believers are joined to Him by faith. This union is not physical but mystical, meaning it is a real and profound connection established by the Holy Spirit. Through this union, we share in all that belongs to Christ, including His righteousness, His life, and His inheritance.
Paul describes this union as being “in Christ,” a phrase he uses repeatedly throughout his letters. For example:
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).
When we are united to Christ, His death becomes our death, His resurrection becomes our resurrection, and His life becomes our life:
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Galatians 2:20).
How Are We United to Christ?
We are united to Christ by the work of the Holy Spirit and through faith in the gospel. This union is initiated by God’s grace and is received by us when we believe in Jesus.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the agent who unites us to Christ. He draws us to faith, regenerates our hearts, and makes us partakers of Christ’s life. Paul writes:
“For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body” (1 Corinthians 12:13).
The Role of Faith
Faith is the means by which we receive this union. It is not faith itself that unites us, but Christ, whom faith apprehends. Faith is the hand that lays hold of Christ, bringing us into a relationship with Him. As Paul says:
“You are all sons of God, through faith in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:26).
The Benefits of Union with Christ
Being united to Christ brings about a complete transformation in our relationship with God, ourselves, and the world.
Justification
Through union with Christ, we are counted righteous in God’s sight. His perfect obedience is credited to us, and our sins are forgiven because of His atoning death:
“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Sanctification
Union with Christ is also the source of our holiness. His Spirit works within us to conform us to His image. As we abide in Him, He empowers us to bear the fruit of righteousness:
“But you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption” (1 Corinthians 1:30).
Adoption
By being united to Christ, we are adopted into God’s family. We become His children and heirs, sharing in the privileges of His Sonship:
“The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:16–17).
Eternal Life
Finally, union with Christ guarantees eternal life. Because He lives, we will live also:
“For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22).
Abiding in Christ
While our union with Christ is established once for all at the moment of salvation, we are called to abide in Him daily. Abiding in Christ means living in constant dependence on Him, trusting in His promises, and walking in obedience to His Word.
Jesus explains:
“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (John 15:7).
Abiding in Christ is not a passive state but an active pursuit. It involves prayer, meditation on Scripture, participation in the means of grace, and fellowship with other believers.
Conclusion
Union with Christ is the foundation of all true holiness. Through this union, we are justified, sanctified, and adopted into God’s family. It is the work of the Holy Spirit and is received by faith in the gospel. As we abide in Christ, we draw upon His strength and grow in His likeness, bearing fruit for the glory of God.
This has been a modern English translation of Chapter 4 of The Gospel Mystery of Sanctification by Walter Marshall.
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